Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a surgery that involves the implanting of electrodes in certain areas of the patient’s brain. Electrical impulses are produced by these electrodes to regulate any abnormal impulses in the brain. These electrical impulses can also affect certain chemicals and cells in the brain. The amount of stimulation that the brain receives in this procedure is controlled by a device, much like a pacemaker, placed under the patient’s skin in the upper chest. A wire travels under the skin to connect this device to the electrodes.

Why is it done?

Deep Brain Stimulation is a treatment for a number of movement disorders and is reserved for the people who are unable to control their symptoms with simple medication. The deep brain stimulation treatment can be used to treat:

Risks

Surgery risks

After surgery Risks

Seizure

Headache

Infection

Stroke

Confusion

Temporary pain and swelling at implantation site

Hardware complications

The device is turned on after a few weeks. Finding the setting that best suits the patient might take some trial and error, which may cause some side effects. These side effects will howeverimprove with the adjustments made to the device.